One of the most beautiful areas in all of Kentucky is the Lake Cumberland area. Lake Cumberland State Resort Park (one of our favorite parks) couldn’t ask for a lovelier setting. Lake Cumberland is known for its beauty and for great fishing, but it’s best known as the houseboat capital of the world – a title it’s proud of, for good reason.

With summer upon us, it’s time to start planning your summer vacation as well as mini-vacations and weekend getaways. Or, like us, maybe you simply love to squeeze as much fun, sight-seeing, and picture-taking into one day as humanly possible. However you prefer to roll, know this: You won’t find a better place to roll it out than Lake Cumberland and Lake Cumberland State Resort Park.

More boaters, anglers and vacationers are expected to head to Lake Cumberland this summer than ever as the lake’s water level rises about 20 feet following repairs to the dam.

“Lodging operators are anticipating a strong summer season,” said Carolyn Mounce, executive director of the Somerset-Pulaski County Convention and Visitors Bureau. ‘I bet my hat that we’ll be over 4 million visitors this year.”

Now, is that genuinely Kentucky or what? She went and bet her hat!

That figure would approach the record number of visitors reported in 2006, before Lake Cumberland was lowered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during repairs.

An abundance of lakes and streams across Kentucky makes our state a summer vacation playground. The Bluegrass State boasts more miles of navigable water than any state other than Alaska.

Visitors who venture to Lake Cumberland for houseboating, skiing, fishing and relaxing can expect lots of fun this summer. The lake’s half-dozen marinas that rent houseboats, ski boats, water scooters and other water recreation equipment are ready to meet the anticipated increase in demand.

Houseboating is one of Lake Cumberland’s biggest claims to fame, with the lake’s many tranquil coves and inlets providing great places to anchor and enjoy the lazy days of summer. The operator of Lake Cumberland’s largest marina said bookings for the luxurious rental craft are up.

“We have 60 houseboats for rent,” said Bill Jasper, president of State Dock in Jamestown. “The lake’s coming back. We should have a great year.”

Meanwhile, fish should also be biting at the lake known as among the best for anglers in the eastern United States. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is adding 1 million walleye and striped bass to Lake Cumberland’s stock this year to give fishing a boost. Rising water atop the lake’s overgrown banks is expected to spur fish population growth. Spawns of crappie and trout should also be strong.

Mounce said boat and vacation shows she’s been attending are abuzz with talk about the resurgent Lake Cumberland. She advises travelers to make motel and other reservations at the lake as early as possible.

Lake Cumberland, Kentucky’s deepest and third largest lake in surface area, was lowered 40 feet by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2007 to ease pressure on Wolf Creek Dam and allow repairs. This summer’s level will reach approximately 700 feet above sea level. The normal level of about 720 feet will be achieved by spring 2014, creating a surface area of more than 50,000 acres, according to the Corps.

Kentucky has a lot of things to be proud of. From Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace to the most exciting college basketball programs in the country, we have plenty of reasons to feel good about the beautiful state we call home. One of the most obvious reasons for great pride is our lakes. Fishermen and women, houseboat owners and renters, and boaters flock to Kentucky’s many beautiful (and loaded) lakes each year. Many fall so deeply in love that they basically call friends back home and tell them they’ve found a new home!

Fact is, I believe Kentucky’s lakes are one of the primary ways we lure (excuse the pun) new neighbors.Ã?Â In fact, did you know that Kentucky (not just Lake Cumberland) is often thought of as the houseboat capital of the world? I’ve always heard this and came across it recently in a bit of research I was doing for Genuine Kentucky.Ã?Â As a web publisher, I often use “web tools” that help determine what words are most often searched-for on search engine giants like Google.

When I began this article on houseboat living and houseboat rentals, I turned to my trusty little web tool to see what the top search engine searches were relating to houseboats, house boats, houseboat rentals, etc. Amongst the top searches related to houseboats (or house boats as most people actually type in, oddly enough) were Kentucky Houseboats and Houseboat Rentals in Kentucky. I dug a little deeper (out of sheer nosiness) and found that houseboats are searched for more in conjunction with Kentucky than Florida, California, or… for that matter… any state I snooped into!

Apparently when Kentucky is referred to as the Ã¢â?¬Å?Houseboating Capital of the U.S.,Ã¢â?¬ÂÃ?Â there’s ample justification for it.

When you think about it, it all makes perfect sense. Kentucky is full of lakes that lend themselves to the pleasant pastime of houseboating.Ã?Â Of course, it’s more than just a pastime for a lot of people, it’s a lifestyle.

Many of Kentucky’s beautiful lakes offer a vast number of coves and fingers that allow houseboats to tie up or anchor away from the main channel and provide boaters with a peaceful, secluded atmosphere.

Then thereÃ¢â?¬â?¢s the ease with which visitors can rent houseboats from marinas operating on the lakes. Lake Cumberland boasts multiple marinas that specialize in renting these commodious craft to vacationers who crave laid-back quality time on the water with family and friends. When you add other popular waters like Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and Dale Hollow Lake, more marinas rent houseboats of various sizes and degrees of luxury in Kentucky than almost anywhere else.

USA Today once didÃ?Â a piece on “10 Great Places to Float Your Houseboat.”Ã?Â The story opened with the following:

Whether you own a houseboat or want to rent one, it’s a great way to get together with family and friends Ã¢â?¬â? or just get away. North America’s most popular (and therefore populated) houseboating waters are Lake Powell in southern Utah and Lake Cumberland in Kentucky. Consider these recommendations from Houseboat magazine’s managing editor, Brady Kay, who spoke with Anne Goodfriend for USA TODAY.

The story went on to mention other lakes which were excellent for houseboating. Another Kentucky Lake was mentioned along with Lake Cumberland. Read on!

Overshadowed by the nearby, popular Cumberland Lake, Dale Hollow Lake is “huge, and great for cruising or entertaining,” Kay says. “There are plenty of places to rent a houseboat, and they usually have the latest models” because most houseboats are manufactured in these two states (Kentucky and Tennessee). Fishing rods lure crappie and smallmouth bass. “It might be the best lake in (this area) that no one has ever heard of.”

A great place to locate information on the stateÃ¢â?¬â?¢s major lakes or marinas offering houseboat rentals is the Kentucky Department of Travel and TourismÃ¢â?¬â?¢s Official VisitorÃ¢â?¬â?¢s Guide, which has detailed listings for facilities in nine separate regions of the state. The guide is available online at www.kentuckytourism.com.Ã?Â A printed guide can be ordered online or by calling 800-225-8747.

And donÃ¢â?¬â?¢t forget that Kentucky is a leading houseboat manufacturing center. Buyers from all over the world order custom-built craft to match their particular desires. In Monticello, Somerset, Russell Springs and other towns around Lake Cumberland, youÃ¢â?¬â?¢ll find some of the worldÃ¢â?¬â?¢s best-known houseboat builders eager to provide the craft of your dreams. Many vacationers whoÃ¢â?¬â?¢ve gotten their feet wet with a rental eventually decide to become owners.

In the early 1950s, a Somerset native, Jim Sharpe, began building small houseboats at a facility on the banks of the newly impounded Lake Cumberland. Sharpe got the idea for the business when he realized that visitors to the lake had few options for accommodations close to the water. As the business grew, the size and luxury of the boats he built grew with it. The companyÃ¢â?¬â?¢s reputation spread, and Sharpe became known as the Henry Ford of houseboats. Although Sharpe is now retired, his company is still run by second- and third-generation family members.

For those who arenÃ¢â?¬â?¢t looking to buy, renting is an enjoyable alternative. The time of year and size of the boat determines the rental cost. A boat that sleeps 12 with six private cabins and amenities like kitchen, wet bar, central air conditioning and outdoor grill can rent for about $4,000 for Monday-Friday during peak season. Because of the pastimeÃ¢â?¬â?¢s popularity, make arrangements for your Kentucky houseboat vacation as far as possible in advance.

I can’t tell you how impressed we were with the gorgeous, serene, scenic cottages at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. You can see a few of them in the picture above (and even more by clicking the link), but it’s just not the same as when you’re standing there in the comfort of the shady woods – surrounded by singing birds. You pretty much lose yourself in the beauty as you imagine sitting on the deck sipping coffee and watching the sun come up (or set if you aren’t much of an early bird).

You have to promise me that you’ll plan a trip to Lake Cumberland State Resort Park soon. Promise?

Did you Know that Lake Cumberland is the Houseboat Capital of the World?

My husband and I were watching a show on one of our favorite channels (The Travel Channel) last night when the narrator mentioned, “The Houseboat Capital of the World,” followed immediately by two words that made us sit up and take notice, “Lake Cumberland.”

Who knew?!

Well, actually, apparently a lot of people knew. In fact, if you GOOGLE “Houseboat Capital of the World,” Lake Cumberland shows up at the top. Google knows, The Travel Channel knows, and know you and I know. It’s really ironic, because a few days ago, Michael and I were in the Lake Cumberland area and he said, “If I were given a houseboat and told that I could live on in anywhere in the world, I’d choose Lake Cumberland.” I guess the boy knows his lakes.

If you read my article about Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, you know what a great impression it made upon us. It’s beauty is breathtaking and everyone we’ve ever come in contact with in the area is uncommonly friendly.

When planning your family vacation or mini vacations this summer, keep Lake Cumberland and Lake Cumberland State Resort Park in mind – not just in mind, but in the front of your mind!

Cottages in the woods at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. Your jaw can drop now.

If the view of the wooded cottage above doesn’t make your heart skip a beat, you might want to check your pulse! These amazing chalet-style cottages set down off of the road (as you can see), beautifully surrounded by trees. Trees which are home to beautiful chipmunks and deer, remarkable birds, butterflies, and countless other memorable moments waiting to happen. These cottages have 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and a fireplace. Can you even imagine how gorgeous the view from the windows or the open deck would be in the fall?

Or summer.

Or spring.

Or winter.

Or today.

Or tomorrow.

Suffice to say, there would be no bad time of the year to stay in one of these incredible cottages. These pictures simply don’t give the beauty the credit it deserves – and you certainly can’t experience the peaceful and relaxing soundtrack that accompanies Lake Cumberland State Resort Park: Songbirds. That’s it. All you hear is blissful quiet accompanied by beautiful songbirds.

Are you packing your bags yet?

When planning your getaway, visit our Lake Cumberland State Resort Park page for more information, including things to do at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, places to visit nearby, where to eat, etc.

Browse through the gallery of pictures below of Lake Cumberland’s cottages. You can’t even begin to imagine how beautiful, lush, green, and peaceful the setting is.

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